There are more than 650,000 different kinds of short-term credentials awarded across the U.S., including certificate programs, boot camps, massive open online courses (MOOCs), and digital badges. But the value and quality of short-term credential programs vary, making it hard for learners and workers to understand how much a given program will pay off. This article in LAist delves into the need to better help people navigate the maze of credentials.
Of special interest is how Credential Engine is working with UNITE-LA “to collect as much data as possible about credentials in Southern California, and to get it into a database that app developers can use to help guide students and job seekers.” Better data can fuel the creation of tools that—similar to Google maps—can guide learners and worker down different available paths so they can reach their goals more effectively and efficiently.